I’ve owned many dogs over the years, but none like my latest, Sheba, who is a Kangal, a shepherd breed originating from Turkey. For thousands of years, Kangals have been used to guard goats and sheep, but it was not until the 1980’s that they arrived in the United States. Continue reading how the kangal got her mask
“What I’m about to say next may strike some of you as vile, base, heresy.” That’s what I told a jam-packed room this past Saturday, March 7, at the 23rd annual Bay To Ocean Writers Conference held at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, MD. I was there presenting my course Continue reading killing it at bto 2020
I thought that 6 years after I published my most popular novel, Lost Dogs (recently revamped with the new, badass cover below), that it would be difficult to revisit that book as I write Stray Cats, its sequel/follow-up. “Difficult” in that it would be hard for me to get back into Continue reading getting “lost” again
This past decade was when my childhood dream of becoming an author became reality. I began the 2010’s with a manuscript of a fantasy novel, and ended it with 5 published books. Here’s a glance back at some key events: 2010: Went to Paris in April, and Disney World in Continue reading looking back, looking ahead (and a peek at “stray cats”)
If you’re an author these days, you need all the help you can get selling your books. Whether you write fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or something else, you can make money and win lifelong, hardcore fans by selling your books in person, but there’s more–much more–to than just signing copies. So, Continue reading for writers: how to sell books in person
Lately, I’ve done a few talks for high school students who are writers, or are interested in becoming one. In addition to disabusing them of the idea that becoming an author is a fast and easy ticket to fame and fortune, I’ve shared with them a lot of tips and Continue reading doing “5 to 10” for writing (part 1)
One of the challenges in creating characters for stories is developing a “voice” (or way of speaking) for each of them. In real life, people don’t all sound the same, and neither should well-crafted characters: they ought to be distinctive, so that a reader can usually be able to tell Continue reading “have you heard how she talks? she’s a real character”
I’m blessed to live on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, which has a thriving community of authors, musicians, and artists. Recently, I was invited to headline an evening of readings and music that’s held on the third Thursday of the month at a local restaurant, the Commerce Street Creamery & Coffee Shop/Bistro in Continue reading storytelling on a 3rd thursday
Previously, I had discussed what it is about monsters that (when done correctly), they frighten us. And though you and I could sit here for hours and name numerous monsters from film, literature, myths, and legends, there are really only two types. Only two? Stephen King, in his under-appreciated treatise Continue reading making monsters meaningful, part 2
In Lonely Lands, my next novel, is a modern-day fantasy/horror piece, so–of course–it will have monsters. I’ve loved monsters since I was kid back in Phoenix, AZ: one of the local TV stations would broadcast old monster movies (Godzilla, Rodan, Reptilicus, The Wolf Man, Creature from the Black Lagoon) on Continue reading making monsters meaningful
